Latest From the Blog

In November, PAL MVPs from across the City of Philadelphia were able to spend time on local college campuses. The University of Pennsylvania’s Division of Public Safety hosted PAL’s Citywide Flag Football Championships at Penn’s historic Franklin... read more

Police Officer Kareem Johnson is one of the PAL Center Directors at the Cozen PAL Center. Officer Johnson was appointed to the Philadelphia Police Department in 2003, and was assigned to the Police Athletic League in 2010. In his spare time, Kareem enjoys basketball... read more

Testimonials

Among my biggest fans is my PAL officer, Cedric Jones. Officer Jones has been a primary source of encouragement and has supported me from the first day we met inside the PAL gym at 59th and Elmwood. Whether it was convincing me to learn how to play ping pong, listening as I made the decision to attend Duke, or offering pre-and post-game advice… he has become a mentor, a parental figure, a role model, and a friend, just as many other PAL Officers have done for thousands of kids throughout Philadelphia.

Officer Ernie is a great mentor to everyone in the center. He has truly supported my every endeavor…. from helping me pick out a dress at the Cozen Prom boutique, to teaching me the fundamentals of indoor soccer. He is an inspiration to all of us Rizzo PAL kids, and has helped me realize my own potential through sports, educational programs like mock trial, and the Positive Images service learning and mentoring program.

It is a privilege to serve on the Board of Directors for PAL. As a member of the Philadelphia business and media community, I feel an obligation to give back to the community I serve. PAL allows me the opportunity to impact the lives of children in the area by helping to provide them with a safe haven after school and in the summer. The PAL officers and staff provide scholastic and athletic development, but even more importantly, they offer the self esteem boosts and the positive role models children need to thrive.